A Chester County civil trial in which former “Jackass” star Brandon Bam Margera was a defendant was postponed after presiding Judge Anthony T. Verwey recused himself from the case. The lawsuit was filed in 2021 after plaintiff Matthew Sharpler was hurt during a motorcycle stunt at Margera’s Pocopson Township property, often referred to as “Castle Bam.
Sharpler claims that Margera exposed the guests to a dangerous condition because he persuaded them to take up dangerous stunts while inebriated with alcohol and drugs, allegedly provided by him. The incident of June 2019 left Sharpler with such life-threatening injuries as brain damage and fractures which continue to demand constant medical treatment.
Judge Verwey recused himself after Margera’s attorneys moved to dismiss him, as he had earlier represented Pocopson Township in a 2007 zoning dispute with Margera over the same property. Verwey denied charges of bias, but recused himself to avoid even an appearance of partiality, saying the judiciary needs public confidence.
The lawsuit claims that Margera created a reckless environment for personal gain by relying on recorded stunts to further his career and public image. However, according to Margera’s attorneys, he was not there when the accident happened and Sharpler willingly put himself in dangerous situations.
This case, set earlier this week, remains in limbo pending reassignment to a new judge. Verwey wished for a resolution soon, tacked onto the end of his order: “The court must protect public confidence in the administration of justice.”
This delay adds to the long list of Margera’s pending legal woes, which include a recent jail sentence for probation violations. Accountability and legal responsibilities are pertinent questions when public figures promote high-risk activities.
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